Short presentation of the Economics program

The Master of Science in Economics (MSE) is a modern, internationally oriented Master‘s degree program that provides students with a profound knowledge in economics. It is aimed to students with a strong interest in economics as well as with interest to perform independent scientific work. Students of this master’s program gain a professional qualification as an economist and acquire the skills to pursue doctoral studies.

The MSE can be studied fully in English, no profound German skills are required for completion. The language of instruction of core subjects is English. Elective courses are taught both in English and German.

Small groups of students enable a face-to-face economic exchange with professors and researchers in classes and seminars. Moreover, students can gain insights into the research work at the department through our mentoring programs, which connects students with junior scientists at the economics department. We encourage and support students who want to study abroad for up to two semesters at a partner university offering a flexible accreditation of foreign credits.

This degree program is taught in English. Therefore, a good knowledge of English is an essential prerequisite to successfully completing the degree program. Proof of English language proficiency at TOEFL iBT 100+ level or equivalent is required for admission.

Course structure

The program consists of four semesters with a total of 120 ECTS. The first semester includes compulsory courses in the basic fields of economics. In the second and third semester students specialize by choosing in ­ dividual options from a broad range of subjects within 5 different fields of specialization. The fourth semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis.

Career opportunities

The MSE qualifies students to be able to perform independent scientific work. Specifically, students learn to competently analyze and understand research results and complex structures. The main career aims for graduates of the MSE are academic and analytical work for universities and research institutes, international organizations, the public administration, associations, consultancy firms and large companies.

Moreover, Students visit a variety of different institutions and firms by participating in an economic excursion, allowing students to learn about job opportunities for economists and the work of professionals. Furthermore, the department offers a placement program into internships at renowned companies, economic research facilities or other (inter) national institutions (e.g. DIW, IAB, Bundes ­ bank, GiZ, GfK, ILO, EBRD). Participating students are credited with 5 ECTS. This gives students the chance to build a network of contacts during their studies that facilitates their entry into the labor market. In addition, excellent graduates of the MSE who wish to pursue doctoral studies at the FAU are awarded a stipend to finance their doctoral studies.